Chapter 654: Inquiry at the Tavern on a Night
Within the region of Lei Xiaze.
Near the lake, stood a seven-story tower with yellow tiles that stood out vividly against the blue-green surroundings. Every night, red lanterns hung between the floors added a lively atmosphere.
On this night, the tavern was bustling with people.
Young men and women dressed in various colors sat together, chatting animatedly. The most lively group was at the central table.
The young man named Lan Yuanqing, as the host, sat at the head of the table. Others, including four famous figures from the Great Selection, were seated around him, not close to each other. Lolan Hill was also among them.
The evening breeze blew through the open windows, bringing a refreshing coolness to the hall filled with nearly a hundred people. Despite her prior preparation, Lolan felt somewhat awkward when so many eyes were on her. Not overly shy, but sensitive enough to easily detect the gazes of others.
As the banquet began, with everyone eating and sitting closer, she removed her hat and veil. People around her marveled again, which made her feel even more self-conscious.
“Beautiful, Sister Jialan,” said Tang Nanlian, who had taken up the role of a protector, sitting beside Lolan and inviting another sister to sit on the other side to prevent any unwanted advances from boys.
Others also praised her beauty, but felt that merely saying “beautiful” was insufficient. They wished they could use better poetry to describe her.
Unfortunately, while some present had talent, none excelled in poetry. Eventually, they settled on “breathtaking beauty.”
“Previously, I was too forward,” Wu Xingkui stood up, bowed, and apologized.
Lolan shook her head slightly, indicating she wasn’t offended. People then gradually resumed their conversations, but often glanced at her furtively.
Watching the scene, Lolan felt both embarrassed and amused.
Back in Callithes, guests at banquets would also stare and sneak glances, but they were bolder. Unlike these young people who acted covertly.
This was perhaps a characteristic of Eastern culture—showing admiration while maintaining decorum, especially for young people who valued their reputation.
She sighed internally, feeling less shy and slowly lifting her head.
“Come, come, let me first toast everyone. Feel free to drink, especially the ladies who don’t need to,” said Lan Yuanqing, being thoughtful.
Clinking glasses rang out. Lolan and Tang Nanlian didn’t drink wine but sipped lightly on tea instead. She wasn’t good at drinking alcohol, despite her extraordinary abilities making her more resistant. But she preferred to maintain her old habits.
After the toasts, the conversation at the table turned to introductions.
“I am Ying Canxiao, honored to meet you all today,” though he appeared stern, his speech was steady and calm.
“I am Wu Xingkui,” the young man in crimson silk opened his fan and spoke about his background.
“In my youth, I traveled the world, seeking freedom and joy.”
“My name is Huang Gu, strong and tough,” the burly man introduced himself briefly, yet piqued everyone’s interest.
“Is Brother Huang Gu a descendant of the Thunder God?” someone asked curiously.
“I don’t know,” he shook his head.
“I never knew my parents; I was raised by an old man in the mountains until recently.”
“Oh, how do you usually train?” others were curious about his strength.
“Fighting beasts in the mountains, getting used to it after killing many.”
“No wonder, no wonder,” others whispered.
“It seems Brother Huang Gu’s master must be a reclusive sage.”
“No, the old man knows nothing, not even fishing. Often, I have to find food for him. Before he died, he told me to leave the mountain, so I did.”
“So where did you learn your skills?”
“At first, from wild beasts, later from powerful monsters. Gradually, I learned.”
“The cultivation methods of monsters can be used by humans, but due to physical differences, the efficiency is very low, and few learn it.”
“Huang Gu shrugged. “I don’t know. If I wanted to learn something, I would catch the monster and observe it every day until I understood.”
Wu Xingkui shook his head in admiration, acknowledging the raw genius.
The conversation then shifted to the long-haired beauty.
“Miss Jialan’s swordsmanship is also part of her family tradition?”
Others asked the same question as Tang Nanlian. Lolan sensed they were more interested in her personal matters but were too polite to ask. Naturally, she wouldn’t volunteer the information.
“It can be considered part of our family tradition,” the girl explained.
“Of course, of course.”
Seeing others pause, Lolan finally spoke.
“Has anyone been to the Western Continent?”
“No, we’ve only heard about it. We know there’s a great nation with red and green flowers as its emblem.”
“I haven’t been there, but I know some things,” Wu Xingkui chimed in, a hint of pride on his face.
“From the Seven States of Cai Lei to the west, there are the Ten Mountains of Dragon Tail. Beyond those, there’s a vast city called Longquan Bay.”
“There are many ships there, often visited by foreigners from the West. It’s said that a few years ago, iron ships came, bringing news from the Western world.”
“What’s the situation like in the Western Continent now?” Lolan’s eyes sparkled.
“It’s hard to say. The last news I received was a few years ago. It was said that the far-western part of the continent was in chaos, with seven countries fighting, and divine fire burning the land, turning parts into glass-like worlds.”
“Afterward, the world changed, the sea became turbulent, and ships faced increasing dangers. Trade caravans also decreased.”
“Yes, indeed,” the girl thought to herself. It seemed the internal conflicts within the Snow Flower Seven Kingdoms were ongoing. She wondered who would win.
“What happened afterward? Is there no communication now?”
“You might have to go to Longquan Bay to find out. There may still be some news there,” Wu Xingkui shook his head.
“But Longquan Bay spans thousands of miles, and along the way, there are countless dangers from monsters and bandits. If Miss Jialan wants to go, she should prepare well.”
“Additionally, once you reach Longquan Bay, there are two routes. One goes directly to the eastern port of Longlong Harbor in the Verdant Kingdom, and the other heads south to the Crescent Land, where a branch of the Celestial Path has developed quite well.”
“Thank you,” Lolan nodded, expressing gratitude.
“Not at all, helping Miss Jialan is an honor, ha ha,” the young man grinned proudly.
“Gold Sparrow in the East, Verdant Kingdom in the West, Endless Sea in the South, Ice Palace in the North.”
“How grand the world is!”
“A gentleman should ride five chariots and six dragons, soaring in the heavens and diving into the underworld, meeting the world.”
“This is my lifelong aspiration!”
(Fin)
